"Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom...A long and violent abuse of power is generally the means of calling the right of it in question..."~Thomas Paine, Common Sense

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

My friend Jimmy successfully navigated a TSA security checkpoint in a speedo at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 with the words, 'SCREW BIG SIS' written on his back. The goal was to carry out an act of protest that was both effective and gutsy but at the same time immune to any punitive reaction from the TSA. This way we hope to inspire other normal citizens to take a stand against these ridiculous policies and protest the TSA especially during this busy holiday season. One or two others have stripped down to their underwear in protest at other airports. One in particular was arrested, not because he had removed his shirt and pants but because he refused to submit to the screening process once he had entered the security area. Right on man! but if you don't feel like getting arrested there are still things you can do.

Why the speedo? With the way TSA screening is going it only seems like the next logical requirement for getting on an airplane. Soon TSA will be having us strip down to make the screening process more efficient, but not if we take a stand. In this sense Jimmy was merely obliging the TSA, but he was also exposing the ridiculousness of their policies. With the full-body scanners and TSA agents putting their hands down our pants, let's be honest, a speedo is pretty modest. Jimmy reviewed Utah State Law, Salt Lake City International Airport rules and regulations, and TSA policies and regulations as he prepared to execute his protest. If you've read up on the law you'll be surprised at the power you have when opposed by authorities.

Some might retort that this issue just isn't that important, that it has been blown out of proportion. I strongly disagree. I do think there are more important issues we are facing as a nation but that doesn't mean we need to diminish the level of attention that issues like this are getting. What we are seeing here is that, ultimately, the power really does lie in the hands of the people and that the government is accountable to the people when we make it so. May we continue to take a stand on this and many other issues as long as our nation stands. Anything less will lead to oppression, tyranny, and devastation.

Right on Jimmy! This is a great example of peaceful defiance against our ever increasing tyranical government. Although they are trying to take away our 4th Ammendment rights, Jimmy successfully used his 1st Ammendment rights!

Very cool. You got serious balls to pull that off. I'm refusing to fly. It's a pain in the ass because driving state to state (I have to, my relatives are mostly out of state) takes forever. But it's a matter of principle.

TSA is causing the airlines to lose business. I honestly think the airlines should sue the TSA for that.

Nice abs LOL! Join the ACLU Jimmy if you want to help defend privacy. What happened to those machines they spent so much on that were supposed to detect explosives? Why don't they use trained scent hounds if the machines don't work instead of looking where the last guy hid them? what if the bomb is swallowed, supposited, or surgically implanted? We need better intelligence and border security, I hope the threat subsides enough to stop this nonsense after new years day.

tsa seemed really upset a dude w/strip to his speedo. almost repressed-upset. stripping saves scanner radiation and electricity; saves tsa drones from frisking...i mean it's what they wanna see so why the fk not?

Thank you for your political statement! Unlike Anonymous who might just be a TSA employee, I very much commend you for your willingness to make a stand. I would point out however that when the TSA employee told you it was okay as long as it was a political statement I don't think he was making fun of you. Having a sense of humor implies a certain degree of intelligence and ability to observe, I am afraid that I have never met a TSA agent able to demonstrate either of those qualities. Keep up the good work!

According to Benjamin Franklin, "Those who would give up essential liberty for a little temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security."

Once the TSA gets people accustomed to being subjected to invasive screening (in violation of the Fourth Amendment) for planes, trains, busses, and boats, how long will it be until we are required to have "internal passports" to travel within the United States? How long until various ethnic groups are required to wear some identifying marking - a yellow Star of David, perhaps?

There needs to be a little clarification, did you opt-out of the scanner and go for the groping, or did you go through the scanner? Good-on-ya if you didn't go through the scanner! If you went through the scanner, I don't see the point...

This is completely senseless. 1) What is his point? Most people are upset over backscatter scanners and hand pat-downs but he was not faced with either. 2) The reason most people are upset by these things is invasion of their privacy but stripping to a speedo that essentially shows all is saying you don't care or have a low threshold for privacy. 3) Magnetometers (metal detectors) are pretty unobtrusive and pretty widely supported as good measures for TSA. 4) The front line TSA workers have said that they do not like the new procedures either. Making their life hell is shooting the messenger.

I support peaceful protest against any action one finds reprehensible. As to whether the current administration is attempting to take away your 4th Amendment rights, I believe you to be in error. Fortunately, the First Amendment allows me to take a stand as well.

I'm not seeing your point here. When I board my plane tomorrow morning to head across the country, I will be happy to know that every possible safety precaution has been administered. Why do you care if a blurry picture, in black and white, showing no true body parts, screened by someone in another room who never sees you is taken? With the methods terrorists go to these days to harm Americans, why do you go to such great lengths to impede our processes? I'm all for equal rights, free speech, I voted for Obama, I am a liberal by every sense of the word...but damn man, suck some shit up and get over it. Bombs are being placed in printer toner. At this point a bomb could be in anything. Why are you so determined to stick it to the man in such a senseless way. Instead of what you did write on your back, you should have just boldly printed, "PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO ME!". Trust me...this world needs a little less of that mentality.

Thank you! I had decided to use trains & buses and wondered how I would accomplish international travel until I saw your video. I now think going thru "security" in a bikini to be a better solution. At 65 I wouldn't even wear one at home, but this might be fun!

Jimmy: Don't let the negative comments here put you off. You did a great public service by helping to expose the sheer stupidity of this massive "security" effort which seems more concerned that you put your shirt back on so they aren't taken away from the task of putting their hands down the pants of three year olds.

The TSA agent instructing you to put your shirt back on had no legal right to do so. His job is to conduct security screenings, not to enforce any airport rules for appropriate dress. All of which seems doubly odd since TSA agents were likely groping people in full public view just steps from where you were.

Seeing you in a Speedo would be much less offensive to most people than watching some stranger in a scary uniform wearing rubber gloves stick his hands down the pants of a screaming child.

I'm all for protesting something serious, but honestly, a security screening? And another thing, you should really keep your clothes on, if only in consideration of others who have to look at your nasty, ugly body. Ever think of working out? Finally, let's be honest, a protester with balls would have gone full-out naked. You know your wiener would have gotten more press. Well, maybe not - sorry, can't really see any bump in that swimsuit. Now, to address your issues of narcissistic video use...

Think it is funny, that people complain when terrorists blow up planes and people die, yet they bitch when TSA attempts to solve the problem. I have a great idea, why don't the people who want to complain fly on one plane with the bombs and risk of dying, and I will go through the scanner or security search and fly on a different plane and know I will get to my destination safely. I will guarantee you, that if we had another 9/11, all the people who are complaining now, will comlain again that nothing was done. Can't have it both ways!!!!

Nice video, it's really good to see some youth proactive besides myself. Pay no attention to all the "Take the bus/train" or the "I support the TSA's security measures," comments. I am almost certain that these are direct mouth pieces for the TSA and DHS.

"Big Sis is watching you. I couldn't agree more and it's about time that she knows that we're watching her, too."

Well put. What a bunch of walking dead the flying public have been so far. For the past decade they've been shuffling through airports, undergoing all manner of useless indignation and abridgments of their rights.

Good call either way but it would be even better if you avoided the scanner *and* the pat down.

They need to find a better method of securing planes or they need to just shut the airlines down and tell people to drive.

The terrorists have won.

Of course, if you *really* want to solve the problem protest the US foreign policy that makes people want to blow us up in the first place. If we quit enabling the murder of innocent people abroad no one will have a reason to want to kill us.

Oooh, very grown up! Would you rather board the plane with someone who "passed" normal screening tests only to find out they had a bomb or some other explosive device? Would you be one of the survivors on this potentially hazardous flight that sues the airport because you felt they should be spending more on passengers security? This is the world we live in! If you don't like the extra security to protect your life, find another way to get to your destination!

To the person who said you are a loser -- you must really hate this country to despise the 4th amendment. I say good on ya Jimmy, thanks for standing up for the little guy!!!

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

No matter what security measures are taken, sooner or later there will be another incident that will make the headlines. But there is no level of security in the world that will stop every last threat. The terrorists are always one step ahead of last week's security precautions.

When will it end? At what point do your individual liberties become more valuable than the government's power?

Will you allow doctors at the airport checkpoint to dissect your torso to probe for explosives? After all, IT'S FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY!!

I needed a good laugh this morning and your video did it. I agree w/you, this is VERY serious stuff and we, the people, DO need to stand up and protest, otherwise they will continue ripping our liberties away from us until we're all put into cages in order to "keep us safe." What a joke. You are so brave, my friend; so brave!

Let's be clear on the process people: full body scans and pat-downs are done for a select few travelers that are [supposedly] selected at random. Most all others go through the traditional metal detectors. So this guy was obviously making a political statement, so TSA obviously just ushered him through the metal detector and sent him on his way. It's still a valid political statement. Bravo, Jon and Eric.

And you fake patriots: I cite Benjamin Franklin and the 4th amendment. Don't trample on my rights and I won't trample on yours.

I see one of the Anonymouses said: "Think it is funny, that people complain when terrorists blow up planes and people die, yet they bitch when TSA attempts to solve the problem."

Did you ever stop to think that TSA has not apprehended ONE SINGLE TERRORIST?

Perhaps if they spent less time with their hands down the pants of screaming three year olds and started looking for the kind of people we KNOW blow up planes then the rest of us wouldn't complain so much!

But my guess is that you're an Obama voter and my question as to whether you might stop to think answers itself!

nothing like a liberal attention whore displaying another failure...jimmy is just another idiot on the natural selection list...i bet jimmy's mom is wishing she used that college money to buy herself a man-whore instead.

hey! Jimmy you idiot. You're suppose to stuff that potato in the front of them speedos not the back. I bet perez hilton and barney franks downloaded that video for personal use. Just what was your political statement? That your stupidy qualifies you to be a registered liberal democrat.

Thank you Jimmy! I've been encourage all who travel to just do what you did and ignite a string of peaceful yet time consuming arrests that would effectively shut down TSA and the screening process at all airports. You made it through (you are very politem, gentleman). At age 60, I would have put up more of a fuss simply because I am so tired of government telling me what to do. The USA nazis have got to be curbed and Big Sis and her pack of thugs are just the tip of the iceburg.

Thank you for your statement, video and blog...americans don't know what sheep they really are...I am 63 and not very good looking but the next time I fly I will do what you did...the whole socialist USA will vomit hehe...

I let my 8 year old son watch the video to show him what liberal ass-hats look like and why this country is going to waste. Liberals want to cuss the USA but then turn around and allow terrorist to breed with their liberal daughters. My son wants a gun for christmas wrapped in a 2nd admendment logo wrap..while a libeal kid wants a Ken barbie doll dressed in a burqa packaged in a cheese nip box.

After the video my son said 'I hope the cowboy days come back so you can just shoot liberal retard'

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He had a point to make, and he made it. While I really wouldn't call what he was wearing a true Speedo, and I think "Big Bro" rather than "Big Sis" would've made more sense, at least he cooperated with the TSA and made the point.I'm personally waiting for the day when we have to buy special paper clothing (similar to scrubs) from vending machines at the airports, and people doing so get the less intrusive pat-down, while people choosing to wear normal clothing get the TSA rub-down.Of course, I'd wear a bathing suit when I fly, but I think hair on a man's chest scares people.Luckily for Jimmy, he wasn't arrested/detained, which the TSA could've done.

Kudos buddy. We need more people doing this, exposing the government for the ridiculous, pointless "security" measures which they are putting us through, nine fucking years and after not one successful prosecution of anyone held at Gitmo, later. Kudos man, I'm sharing the vid on Facebook.

Hey, and all these haters who think you're a liberal/you're an attention whore/you're just stupid-pay them no mind. You, with that one act, have more understanding of the meaning of the Constitution than they will ever have in their pointless, angry, short-sighted lives. Rights mean nothing if we don't exercise them. Again, thanks.....and thanks for keeping your cool. The best way to expose the stupidity of laws is to lampoon them.

You have inspired me to making sure I remember my bathing suit when flying. We should all follow suit. Bathing suit wear manditory. New guidelines. We are all guilty til proven innocent. We are all threats to the system. Welcome to a free America.

i didn't fly over thanksgiving this year, but thought of doing the same thing. i think that even though it didn't seem that airport had the scanners, this certainly made the "enhanced pat-down" unneccesary! also, to all those who are hating on your political statement...sounds like "baaa-baaaa" to me. loads of sheep following blindly--we must pay attention to the little things; they all add up to diminished civil liberties and diminished right to privacy! this is one issue i feel that conservatives and liberals should be uniting on!!

The next protest step beyond the speedo: When/if you're traveling with a bunch of people - everyone wear electric vibrator butt plugs. And go through the scanner. What do they do with twenty people who all have a battery, connected to some electric device, stuffed up there? Refuse to go into a private room - if they want to pull them all out and look at them, you want witnesses.

You have every right to do what you did, but for what reason. How often do you even fly? I fly over 50K at least per year and do I like the long lines? No! But, as a former airline employee who experienced the ramifications of 9/11 far more than you, I welcome the extra efforts the TSA takes to make our flights safe. One of the greatest things we have as americans is choice. We have a choice to fly and deal with the security measures or not. If you don't like it, take the bus or train. Again, you have the right to make yourself look like a fool with your idiotic statement at SLC airport. However, you have no right to infringe on my rights to fly on a safe flight. I suggest you join PETA or some other organization where you can do some good. I understand your age has a lot to do with your ignorance. I suggest looking at future endeavors with a broader outlook.

Well done. I'd like to get in touch with Jimmy regarding his experience. I want to verify that he's been banned from JetBlue and do a story on it. JetBlue has been making noises about coming to DFW (they're code sharing with American Airlines right now). It would be a great topical story and might even make good TV. allen at Dallas.org.

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